Apparatus and method for plant transporation using a smart conveyor

ABSTRACT

Embodiments according to the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for plant transportation using a smart conveyor. Embodiments of the present invention provide enhanced capabilities as a result of integrating robotic features, automations, artificial intelligence, queuing, fault control, automatic transport, scalability, safety measures, smaller footprint, and other computerized functions, along with a creative business model. In design of this invention the following high-level requirements were achieved: scalable for small, medium, and large businesses; safer than other machines in the market; sanitation consideration; simplicity in maintenance, and automated functions to reduce the need for labor (e.g., integration of robotics, AI, and/or other computerized systems).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/801,565, filed on Feb. 5, 2019, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments according to the present invention relate to an apparatusand method for plant transportation using a smart conveyor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain plants including but not limited to Cassava and Cannabis requirepost-harvesting processing such as Trimming, Drying, and De-Budding aspart of their preparation steps. After harvest, these plants aregenerally trimmed of their leaf matters, leaving behind only the buds.Trim refers to the leftover leaves, which can be used for makingconcentrates and infused products. In other words, after harvesting theproduct, the plant is generally unusable unless some trimming functionstakes place to “trim” certain parts and extract the usable part of theplant and this makes trimming process necessary and unavoidable. Thesolutions currently available consist of mostly through manual methodsincluding but not limited to hand-scissoring by labor, mechanicalscissors and motorized blades and such methods deem to be considerablyoutdated.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments according to the present invention relate to an apparatusand method for plant transportation using a smart conveyor. Embodimentsof the present invention provide enhanced capabilities as a result ofintegrating robotic features, automations, artificial intelligence,queuing, fault control, automatic transport, scalability, safetymeasures, smaller footprint, and other computerized functions, alongwith a creative business model. In design of this invention thefollowing high-level requirements were achieved: scalable for small,medium, and large businesses; safer than other machines in the market;sanitation consideration; simplicity in maintenance, and automatedfunctions to reduce the need for labor (e.g., integration of robotics,AI, and/or other computerized systems).

The following detailed description together with the accompanyingdrawings will provide a better understanding of the nature andadvantages of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example,and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows an overview of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the Queuing and Basic Process Flow.

FIG. 3 shows a queuing and process flow example in action. It shows thegeneral flow of the buckets/Product placeholders into the availableprocessing station after they are filled.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary processing unit and correspondingsignal/sensor controller.

FIG. 5 shows a side sectional view of an exemplary blade assembly. Inthe conventional trimming machines, the engine (motor) operates andconnects to the trimming blade using a belt.

FIG. 6 shows an example view of how this invention's multiple parallelsystems of this method and device can interconnect to provide thenecessary scalability to the user.

FIG. 7 shows an intelligent roller/conveyor that is expandable withadditional sequential units according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an exemplary bucket with aninterior sloping bottom that enables product in the bucket to move outfaster.

FIG. 9 shows a processing tube where the bucket contents are emptied andthe contents are moved for processing into the machine from the openingto the tube.

FIG. 10 shows a blade assembly side view according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 11 shows the back view of the blade assembly.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the disposal bin assembly according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a side view of disposal bin assembly according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a tumbler assembly according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 shows the back view of a tumbler assembly according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a tilt mechanism for tilting the tumbler assembly.

In the figures, elements having the same designation have the same orsimilar function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the embodiments willbe described in conjunction with the drawings, it will be understoodthat they are not intended to limit the embodiments. On the contrary,the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents. Furthermore, in the following detailed description,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding. However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skillin the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components,and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarilyobscure aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows an overview of one embodiment of the present invention. Inthis invention, contrary to the conventional trimming, the size of thecylinder is reduced. This reduction in volume of trimming cylinder,allows for a more delicate trimming. In addition, we are utilizing amulti-direct-driven trimming cylinder to create a similar aggregatedvolume rate that can simply be multiplied by attaching extra unit(s),but also produces higher quality output, less energy consumption, fasterand safer. In particular, a Processing Tube 101 allows the product toenter the machine. The tube utilizes the gravity, vacuum air suction,and magnetic capability to accomplish this function. Blade Assembly Unit102 includes direct-drive engine, blade rotor, razor, latches, andrelated cartridges. A Removable Blade Unit 103 can be removed/insertedby utilizing the latch. A Vacuum Assembly 104 including the Engine andAir Filter and Air Flow creates Air Suction/Vacuum throughout the Unit.A Disposal Bin Assembly 105 includes a disposal Bin, removable handleand an air filter. The Control Panel 106 of the system displays fault,status, and allows user to control the speed and other functions of themachine. Element 107 shows a Removable Tumbler Assembly Section. Themachine's Processing Assembly Unit is shown as element 108.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the Queuing and Basic Process Flow. Theconventional trimming methods including manual-scissor do not have acentral processing unit and they work mainly “mechanical.” In thisinvention, the trimming machine is managed by a central system(chipset/PCBA) that serves certain important functions including but notlimited to: control the flow to the available trimming tumblers;instruct and manage the intelligent conveyor to deliver the bucket tosuch available tumblers; monitor the health of the system and in case ofjam or overflow or a fault, the system stop the particular processingsection while is still managing the remaining sections; recognizeattachment or detachment of additional unit and expansion of the queue;ensure the parts are inserted properly, track the time equipment isused, and give feedback on the status of the machine; and measure theusage of the unit. In particular, the product is placed in a bucket 201.The bucket is on an intelligent roller, ready to move 202. It is ensuredthat the product is properly placed 203, at least one trimmer is active204, there is no traffic congestion 205, and any general faults arecleared 206. One or more trimmers 207 and staging units 208 arecontrolled by the central processor/queue control/monitor 209. It shouldbe noted that the decision steps are not sequential. They can happensimultaneously. The dotted line represents signal to central processor.The “n” represents any number since the system is capable to scale.

FIG. 3 shows a queuing and process flow example in action. It shows thegeneral flow of the buckets/Product placeholders into the availableprocessing station after they are filled. In step 301, the availableprocessing station is determined by the system, and the filled bucketsare routed along the first lane on the conveyor before being sent to theavailable processing station. In step 308, a bucket is filled with theplants and placed on the first location of the conveyor. In step 307,the bucket is in the processing unit “staging” area and is in process ofbeing emptied to the “Processing Tube.” In steps 302 and 303, the filledbuckets are ready to be transported across the second lane to any of theavailable stations, each is currently waiting for a processing unitstaging area to become available and then it gets transported there. Instep 304, which is indicated with the additional arrow inside of theprocessing unit, the product has entered into the Processing Machine'stube and its tumbler. Step 305 shows the general flow of thebucket/product placeholders in the second lane after being emptied intoa processing unit. Step 305 includes the empty bucket shown on thecorner of the conveyor, indicating the product was emptied into theProcessing Tube and the bucket is enroute back to the origin position ofthe return (second) lane. Step 307 shows a Bucket/Product Placeholder ona processing unit staging area that is in process of being emptied. Theproduct moves easily into the Processing Tube as the bucket is close tothe opening of the Tube since A) the bucket is stopped B) The bucket andProcessing Tube has a magnetic function to pull the Bucket Door and C)the air suction generated from the machine's Vacuum sucks the productinto the tumbler.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary processing unit and correspondingsignal/sensor controller. The system includes many sensors to identifyvarious behaviors that would happen in the operation. Such behaviorsinclude but not limited to: if the Disposal bin get filled; if any faultin the system is identified such as a part is not inserted properly, thesystem identifies a jam/overflow; if an unidentifiable object in thetumbler is discovered such as a rock; and/or if additional units pluggedin or unplugged.

A description of triggering event of the sensor is as follows. Thedisposal bin has a simple sensor that triggers when it identifies anyobject across the light. The fault system is triggered when someoneattempts to unplug any of the parts or accessories using a latch sensor.The unidentified object sensor is triggered if any out of balance turnin the tumbler or metal object is identified using magnet sensor. Thesesensors would signal the main chipset system on each unit that there isa fault or change in the system and the chipset then can control theflow of the system or inform the user via screen/light to correct theerror or provide status of the operation. The errors are communicated tothe user via function of light, screen, or application.

The Processing Unit is in charge of maintaining the queue and faultsignals. The processing unit board 401 can be placed in other areas ofthe system depending on customer requirement. The airflow unit 402 isrequired to keep the equipment cool. The separator unit 403 is locatedbetween the board and trimming functionality of the machine. And the fan404 keeps the equipment temperature within the required range.

FIG. 5 shows a side sectional view of an exemplary blade assembly. Inthe conventional trimming machines, the engine (motor) operates andconnects to the trimming blade using a belt. Therefore, it requires aconsumable belt to transmit motion from one shaft to the other shaft.The motor turns the blade using the belt. Belts have always been knownto be a bottleneck because of the endurance, increased vibrations, andreduction in the transmitted energy. Using the existing systems in themarket and utilizing the belt causes major loss of transmission powerbecause of usage of belt.

In the solutions currently in the market, the main angina is connectedto the blade by a “belt” very similar to what is used in the hand rightvacuum machine. In our analysis, having a belt attached to the blade,increases the turbulence of the overall machine and thus by having itdirectly attached to the blade we were able to reduce the overallturbulence and noise of the trimming machine.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each blade can be run by adirectly-attached motor, also known as “direct-drive” or“mini-direct-drive” the motion is transferred directly to the target.Eliminating the belt also allows the machine to operate outside of thenormal range of temperature that's suggested for the belt and reduces oreliminates the transmission loss. Using direct-drive one can utilizemore transmission power with the less energy, in fact almost a doubleamount of performance and maintenance of such belt is eliminated sincethe dust cannot get into the belt of the main blade. Replacing the motorwould consist of a simple unplugging and re-plugging the motor. It wouldalso allow the blade to be hot-pluggable. The units operate with“direct-drive” engine eliminating the need for primary belt.

The razor cartridge 501 allows the user-insertable blade and razor beproperly plugged in. A direct-drive motor/engine 502 (contrary tobelt-driven motor) and the blade is shown coupled to the cartridge 501.A latch 503 enables simple unplug/replug/reinsert of the bladecartridge. The frame of the blade assembly 504 allows the trimmedparticles of the processed product to flow through the disposal bin. Agear 505 is utilized for the direct-drive motor. The gear 505 can becoupled magnetically for easy insertion and removal of the unit. Theblade rotor and cylinder 506 is coupled to gear 505. The razor unit 507is combined with the blade which enables trimming the product.

FIG. 6 shows an example view of how this invention's multiple parallelsystems of this method and device can interconnect to provide thenecessary scalability to the user. Since the industry in cannabis andrelated fields is growing rapidly, the factories and productionfacilities are facing a huge problem of scaling to the demand. Thismeans the machines and trimming devices that is being used need to bescalable to adapt to the growth in the industry. Conventional trimmingmachines are not able to increase in capacity and require an entirelyseparate production line to be created in parallel to what alreadyexists. This requires significantly more footprint and cost andmultiplies the cost proportionally. For example, the only way toincrease the number of trimming machines in conventional trimming is toadd a new production line that means double the labor and the vacuum andall the other parts and accessories that are involved.

In one embodiment, the machines are scalable to virtually any numberbecause of utilizing a queue function that is managed by the chipset.Each machine can perform individually but if connected to anothermachine it will add to the overall queue. The unit is pluggable toadditional exactly same unit. The chipset would control the operation ofadditional outlets for the trimming purposes. The purpose of thisscalable functionality is to allow additional throughput and match theuser's need in terms of scaling up or down. For example, the machinethat has 3 input holes and each machine is maintaining the queue atnumber 3. Once the second machine is attached to the first machine; thesystem would then update queue to match the total number of inputsavailable (3+3=6) and so on.

The machine keeps track of total number of available inputs. Regardlessof number of machines attached, if any fault occurs, the system simplyremoves the particular input from the queue. In the above example, if ajam is detected in one of the inputs the system would trigger a signalof fault and reduces the available queue to 5 (6−1=5). As explainedbelow the conveyor ARB in our method and device is scalable in the sameway. The connection between each system is done through magneticconnector and/or cable(s).

FIG. 7 shows an intelligent roller/conveyor that is expandable withadditional sequential units according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. In this invention, the conveyor is integrating a technologycalled Activated Roller Belt (ARB). Integrating ARB with trimmingmachine above would allow automatic management of dropping the productsuch as cannabis/hemp into the proper container. The conveyor isconfigured to deliver a bucket to one of the available dispositionareas. The ARB Conveyor that is attached to the machine and is designedexclusively for this machine to operate in an automatic manner. First,instead of the product be placed on the conveyor directly, we areutilizing “smart” buckets that the product would be place on thesebuckets. Having a bucket eliminates the need of sanitization of theconveyor completely and producers can simply wash or sanitize theindividual buckets at their convenience without causing any stop ofproduction.

In order to accomplish a systematically-managed conveyor, and unlike theconventional system, the conveyor here has two lanes side-by-side. Afirst lane is used to transport the product (using the buckets asexplained below) and the second (return lane) is used to transport theempty buckets back to the user so that they can be filled again. Eachentrance on the trimming machine is further attached to a “staging” rollthat is fed by the conveyor and after the bucket is emptied it will stayin that staging area until it has a space to join the return lane. Byutilizing staging rolls, the conveyor and the trimming machines arescalable to virtually unlimited number because the incoming and outgoingtraffic will not be affecting throughput of the production.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary bucket whereby the bucket slope enablesproduct in the bucket to move out faster. Instead of having the producttravel directly on the conveyor, one embodiment of the present inventionutilizes an intermediary placeholder that's mobile (called buckets) thatwould transport on the ARB conveyor. Using this placeholder (calledbuckets) provides the advantage of the product not touching the conveyorbelt directly. These buckets are designed to get as close to trimmingentrance point as possible so that they are automatically emptied asthey get close to the trimming machine. As result, there is no need forsanitization of the conveyor itself and the user would simply need tosanitize the buckets, which is a considerably easier task thansanitizing the conveyor. In this configuration, the product nevertouches the roller or conveyor as it is only moved through the buckets.The user can adjust the speed of the bucket movement in which wouldaffect throughput of the bucket and the system overall. The systemmanages the traffic flow of the bucket using a “first lane” of the ARBconveyor depending on the availability on the of the trimming entrancesand places the full buckets in the staging area roll. Once the bucket isemptied, the system would move the bucket back to the “return” lane soit can go back to the user and be refilled. This creative bucket on theconveyor is using is magnetically activated. This bucket would allow thecontents of the bucket to be emptied the moment it is near the trimmerentrance area to the trimming machine. The bucket is also slightlyslanted (sloped) so in the normal condition triggers the exit of theproducts contained in the bucket. The vacuum in the machine as explainedbelow further enforces and reduces the time that the bucket is emptiedafter it's close to the trimming machine.

FIG. 9 shows a processing tube 901 where the Bucket contents are emptiedand the contents are moved for processing into the machine from theopening to the tube 902. Combining the chipset queuing function with theARB rerouting capability, would allow the maximum flexibility andscalability since one can now transport the product only to theavailable queues and any unavailable or faulty inputs are marked asunavailable by the system until such fault is corrected. The conveyor isdesigned in a way that it would transport the buckets according to thequeue. The queue is generated by the system's chipset and provides asignal to the conveyor in form of OPEN/CLOSE that indicates to theconveyor whether a corresponding entrance on the trimming machine isavailable or the bucket delivery. Once the entrance point is identifiedas “Deliverable” the conveyor then transports the bucket to one of theentrance points in combination of random and sequential manner. Thebucket is then is on its way to the entrance point, and it will have apause there for few seconds until the contents are emptied. Once thecontents of the bucket are emptied, the system would place the bucketback into the return lane to go back to the filling area that user wouldplace the buckets back into the system. This continues until theproduction is completed.

If one of the entrance points becomes unavailable, the system wouldcommunicate to the ARB conveyor system that such entrance point isunavailable via a closed/unavailable signal. The system would continueto show the point as unavailable until the fault is resolved at whichpoint will change the signal to “available/open” and the conveyor wouldthen re-continue to send the bucket to the entrance point. For example,let's assume that one out of the three entrance point becomes jammed andthe system signals it as “unavailable/closed.” As soon as signal isreceived by the ARB conveyor, the conveyor system would stop sending newbuckets to that entrance area and would distribute the load to the othertwo available entrance areas until the fault is resolved.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the frequentlyreplaceable parts utilize a simple plug-n-play method that a latch ispushed/pulled so the replaceable parts of the trimmer is taken out andput back in. A non-technical user can do so without causing safetyconcerns. At the minimum, the following parts are known to beplug-n-play:

1. Blade/Razor assembly

2. Tumbler Assembly

3. Brush Assembly

4. Disposal Bin Assembly

As explained in the signal/sensor section above, as soon as the systemsenses that one of the components are being removed (triggered by thedoor sensor) the system would automatically stop the flow to that unit.The user can simply latch out and latch-in the particular parts withoutinterrupting the other systems that are connected.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an integrated assemblycontains both the blade and the razor in the same containment, whichhelps greatly with the eliminating or reducing the need for manualadjustment. First of all, the blade and razor are combined together in aform of assembly and not generally separable by the user, very similarto printer drum. Once they are entered in to the system, the safetycover opens and the razor and blade is uncovered inside the system.Because they are built to be in form, generally minimum adjustment isrequired as the replacement or maintenance requires the entire assemblyto be replaced. Because the user doesn't directly work on the blade, thesystem is much safer. The additional cost of the housing on theblade/knife set assembly is easily offset by the reduction in the laborcost that's needed in the existing machines with manual work and canutilize both blade/razor and a water jet cutting system.

FIG. 10 shows a blade assembly side view according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. A razor cartridge housing 1001 is used to holdthe razor upon insertion of the blade cartridge. The Blade CartridgeFrame 1002 holds the blade components. A front plate 1003 of the BladeAssembly and Cartridge is shown. Latch 1004 is used to “unhook” thecartridge and therefore user can remove/reinsert the blade cartridge. Adirect-drive motor 1005 is used, whereby the belt-driven motor iseliminated and therefore transmission of power increases significantlyalong with reduction of turbulence and energy consumption. A razor 1006is used in combination with the blade to “trim” the product. Once theproduct is trimmed the trimmed particles pass through the bottom sectionof the blade assembly and into the disposal bin via the air suction ofvacuum engine. The remaining product (that is now trimmed) passesthrough the tumbler. The blade (cylinder typed shape 1007) creates thecutting capability by turning rapidly.

FIG. 11 shows the back view of the blade assembly. In one embodiment ofthe present invention, instead of general air-suction method, it usesvacuum technology; and it's housed inside the machine itself. The vacuumis directly connected under the blade and is separate for each unit. Thebuilt-in vacuum eliminates the need for a separate long hose since it'sdirectly connected under the blade and as the leaf products are trimmed,the cut particles (generally disposed or further extracted) are storedin a vacuumed section that is easily replaceable and easy to empty, verysimilar to replacing and emptying bagged or bagless vacuum machines.This is accomplished by sealing the disposed bin to create the vacuumwithin the system, instead of “external” to the system. As explainedabove, the sensors would help to identify if the disposal bin (e.g.,disposal bin) is close to be filled and in case of such signal thesystem would stop sending traffic or product to that trimming entrance.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the disposal bin assembly according to oneembodiment of the present invention. An opening section 1201 of thedisposal bin is shown. Air suction from the vacuum engine createssuction through the disposal bin assembly, blade/razor assembly, tumblerassembly, and processing tube. A disposal bin frame and sensor 1202surrounds the opening section 1201. A Handle (Latch) 1203 is used toremove/insert the disposal bin. The disposal bin 1204 would hold the“trimmed” particles. The vacuum engine 1205 creates the vacuum whichproduces the vacuum air flows through 1206 and 1207. A vacuum air filter1208 separates the disposal bin 1204 and vacuum engine 1205.

FIG. 13 shows a side view of disposal bin assembly according to oneembodiment of the present invention. As explained earlier, theconventional trimmer has grown in size dramatically over time. Thecurrent trimmers in the market are 5.5 inches in diameter and they areavailable currently all the way to 13.5 inches. Larger diametercertainly means larger volume that the tumbler can handle but it alsomeans the larger weight that is circulating in the tumbler and as resultwould crush and deform the product (cannabis product) and leaves thatwere supposed to be trimmed at the first place would be deformed.

The more volume in the tumbler causing adverse effect on the finalproduct. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the sizeof tumbler is reduced so less volume can fit on each individual tumblerand instead adding additional tumbler in each unit so that the overallthroughput stays the same but with much higher quality of final product.This would further reduce the labor cost of quality check and the needto redo the trimming.

FIG. 14 shows a tumbler assembly according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. A latch/handle 1401 is used to remove/reinsert thetumbler cartridge and create the full assembly. A tumbler frame 1402houses the tumbler assembly. Brush 1403 takes over the trimmed particlesresidue from the tumbler. An opening 1404 provides access to the blade.The tumbler exit point 1405 is where the “trimmed” product exits themachine. The user can have the “trimmed” product deposited into a bin,or a different roller or bag at their choice.

FIG. 15 shows the back view of a tumbler assembly according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The tumbler frames, tumbler,tumbler gear, opening to blade, tumbler brush, and latch toremove/insert the tumbler cartridge assembly are shown for the tumblerassembly.

FIG. 16 shows a tilt mechanism for tilting the tumbler assembly. It hasbeen discovered that the optimal operation is highly dependent on thefunction of the tilt because various products require different speedthroughout the trimming machine. Higher tilt means that the productwould move faster in the trimming machine. To simplify the adjustment ofthe tilt, the machine automates the adjustment so that by tuning theknob, the system would increase the tilt of the machine. The tilt of theentire system is adjustable via manual or automatic method. The generalrange of the tilt is between 1 degree and 7 degree but can be furtheradjusted.

Thus, by utilizing the same process flow, and queue function, thismethod and device can apply to De-budding, and Drying function. Thismethod can be used in any plants cultivation and related processes aswell as long as the shape and look of the plant is similar.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for cutting and transporting plants,comprising: a plurality of buckets, each configured for holding theplants for cutting; a cutting device for cutting particular parts of theplants; a smart conveyer that moves the plurality of buckets from afirst location to the cutting device; and a control processing unit thatmonitors a number of respective buckets placed on the conveyor andcontrols operation of the conveyor.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe conveyor comprises an activated roller belt.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the conveyor comprises a first lane is used totransport the plurality of buckets, each respective bucket being filledwith the plants, to the cutting device, and a second lane is used totransport the plurality of buckets, each respective bucket being empty,from the cutting device to a last position: wherein the first and secondlanes are oriented longitudinally about the conveyor and positionedside-by-side to one another; and wherein the second lane is positionedcloser to the cutting device.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein atleast one bucket of the plurality of buckets includes a sloping interiorbottom.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bucketsincludes a magnetic bucket.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a processing unit staging area that is fed by the conveyor.7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a sensor for determiningwhether there is room for one of the buckets that is filled with plantsto be transported to cutting device.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a plurality of cutting devices, wherein the centralprocessing unit determines which of the plurality of cutting devices areavailable for cutting and controlling the conveyor to transport thebuckets according to availability of particular cutting devices.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising a chipset coupled to the centralprocessing unit that transmits a signal indicating whether the cuttingdevice is available, wherein if the cutting device is unavailable, theconveyor stops sending new buckets to that cutting device until itbecomes available again.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a vacuum assembly for providing suction to aid in emptyingthe plants in a respective bucket of the plurality of buckets to thecutting device.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plants do notphysically touch the conveyor.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thebucket comprises at least two open sides.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1further comprising a sensor for detecting when the bucket reaches thecutting device, wherein the plants are automatically emptied from thebucket into the cutting device upon arrival.
 14. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the cutting device comprises: a tumbler controlled by thecontrol processing unit that creates a circular motion to move theplants inside the tumbler; at least one entry and one exit for the plantto enter and exit the tumbler; at least one rotatable blade adjacent tothe tumbler; a motor for powering the tumbler; at least one brushadjacent to the tumbler and blade to remove residue and oil from thetumbler and blade; a housing for the tumbler and brush; at least onerazor that is adjacent to the blade and cuts by creating an angelbetween the blade and razor; and a housing containing the blade andrazor.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a vacuumassembly that creates suction within the apparatus and sucks cutparticles or debris from the tumbler and blade and transports the cutparticles; and a disposal bin that contains the cut particles fromvacuum suction.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a usercontrolled touch panel that allows the control of the apparatus; and adisplay for displaying operations of the apparatus.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the central processing unit controls queuing and jobmanagement to manage job status for start, pause, halt, or finish of thejob.